Method of proofing an innerduct/microduct and proofing manifold

ABSTRACT

A proofing air jet having a hollow elongated body having an air outlet and a suction inlet, the air outlet opposing the suction inlet, a pressurized air inlet into the body between the air outlet and the suction inlet, the pressurized air inlet being angled with respect to the hollow elongated body to flow pressurized air in a direction from the pressurized air inlet to the air outlet and provide a suction at the suction inlet, the air outlet having an innerduct/microduct connector for connecting to an opening of the innerduct/microduct, and the suction inlet having a string inlet configured to accept string. A plurality of the proofing air jets can be connected to a manifold.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a proofing manifold configured toclear and proof an innerduct/microduct and a method a proofing theinnerduct/microduct.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Horizonal drills are often utilized to cut a small hole for installationof innerduct/microduct below a roadway surface. Examples of horizontaldrills include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.20030070841 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,370.

Buried innerduct/microducts often have obstructions after installation.There is a need for a proofing device to quickly determine the integrityof the innerduct/microduct.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a simple, efficient and fast proofing manifoldand method of proofing a buried innerduct/microduct.

The objectives of the invention can be obtained by a method of proofingan innerduct/microduct comprising:

-   -   attaching a proofing air jet to a first open end of a buried        innerduct/microduct;    -   supplying pressurized air to the proofing air jet;    -   supplying a string to the proofing air jet: and    -   blowing the string through the proofing air jet, into the buried        innerduct/microduct, and out a second open end of the buried        innerduct/microduct so that a portion of the string protrudes        from the second open end of the buried innerduct/microduct.

The objectives of the invention can be further obtained by a proofingair jet configured to proof a buried innerduct/microduct comprising:

-   -   a hollow elongated body having an air outlet and a suction        inlet, the air outlet opposing the suction inlet:    -   a pressurized air inlet into the body between the air outlet and        the suction inlet, the pressurized air inlet being angled with        respect to the hollow elongated body to flow pressurized air in        a direction from the pressurized air inlet to the air outlet and        provide a suction at the suction inlet;    -   the air outlet having an innerduct/microduct connector for        connecting to an opening of the innerduct/microduct; and    -   the suction inlet having a string inlet configured to accept        string.

The objectives of the invention can be further obtained by a proofingmanifold configured to proof a buried innerduct/microduct comprising:

-   -   a manifold comprising a manifold body configured to contain        pressurized air;    -   a manifold pressurized air inlet configured to provide        pressurized air to the manifold;    -   a plurality of proofing air jet connectors connected to the        manifold; and    -   a plurality of proofing air jets connected to the plurality of        proofing air jet connectors, each proofing air jet comprising:        -   a hollow elongated body having an air outlet and a suction            inlet, the air outlet opposing the suction inlet:        -   a pressurized air inlet into the body between the air outlet            and the suction inlet, the pressurized air inlet being            angled with respect to the hollow elongated body to flow            pressurized air in a direction from the pressurized air            inlet to the air outlet and provide a suction at the suction            inlet;        -   the air outlet having an innerduct/microduct connector for            connecting to an opening of the innerduct/microduct; and        -   the suction inlet having a string inlet configured to accept            string, wherein the pressurized air inlet is connected to            one of the proofing air jet connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a proofing air jet.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a proofing air jet connected to aninnerduct/microduct.

FIG. 2A illustrates a plurality of proofing air jets connected amanifold.

FIG. 2B illustrates a manifold.

FIG. 2C illustrates a proofing air jet connected to a manifold using arigid proofing air jet connector.

FIG. 2D illustrates a proofing air jet connected to a manifold using aflexible proofing air jet connector.

FIG. 2E illustrates a rolled up string 22 having a parachute 24 mountedat an end of the string 22.

FIG. 2F illustrates a front view of a parachute 24.

FIG. 2G illustrates a side view of a parachute 24.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I, and 3J each illustrate adifferent type of innerduct/microduct.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of proofing aninnerduct/microduct.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be explained by reference to the attachednon-limiting Figs. In the description, for purposes of explanation andnot limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularnetworks, communication systems, computers, terminals, devices,components, techniques, storage devices, data and network protocols,software products and systems, operating systems, developmentinterfaces, hardware, etc. in order to provide a thorough understandingof the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the present invention can be practiced in other embodimentsthat depart from these specific details. Detailed descriptions ofwell-known networks, computers, digital devices, storage devices,components, techniques, data and network protocols, software productsand systems, development interfaces, operating systems, and hardware areomitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention.All use of the word “example” are intended to describe non-limitingexamples of the invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of thevarious embodiments of the present invention, various illustrativeembodiments are explained below. Although example embodiments of thepresent invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood thatother embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended thatthe present invention is limited in its scope to the details ofconstruction and arrangement of components set forth in the followingdescription or examples. The present invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intendedalso to include composition of a plurality of components. References toa composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include otherconstituents in addition to the one named.

Also, in describing the example embodiments, terminology will beresorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each termcontemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in theart and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similarmanner to accomplish a similar purpose.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method stepsdoes not preclude the presence of additional method steps or interveningmethod steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it isalso to be understood that the mention of one or more components in acomposition does not preclude the presence of additional components thanthose expressly identified. Such other components or steps not describedherein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similarcomponents or steps that are developed after development of thedisclosed technology.

While certain implementations of the disclosed technology have beendescribed in connection with what is presently considered to be the mostpractical and various implementations, it is to be understood that thedisclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosedimplementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of a proofing air jet 2 configuredto proof a buried innerduct/microduct 50. The proofing air jet 2comprises a hollow elongated body 4 having an air outlet 7, a suctioninlet 9 and a pressurized air inlet 6. The air outlet 7 opposes thesuction inlet 9. The pressurized air inlet 6 is connected to the hollowelongated body 4 between the air outlet 7 and the suction inlet 9. Thepressurized air inlet 6 is angled 16 with respect to the hollowelongated body 4 to flow pressurized air in a direction 3 through thepressurized air inlet 6 into the hollow elongated body 4 to provide anair flow in a direction 5 through the body and out the air outlet 7,which also forms a suction (vacuum) at the suction inlet 9. The airoutlet 7 has an innerduct/microduct connector 10 for connecting to anopening of the innerduct/microduct. The suction inlet 9 has a stringinlet 8 that is configured to accept string 22.

The hollow elongated body 4 can be formed from any suitable material,such as metal, plastic or composites. An example of a suitable materialis polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The angle 16 between the hollowelongated body 4 and the pressurized air inlet 6 is less than 90° ,preferably about 80° to about 20° , and more preferably about 70° toabout 30°.

The innerduct/microduct connector 10 can be formed from a flexiblematerial, such as rubber, to form a seal between the hollow elongatedbody 4 and the opening of the innerduct/microduct 50.

The string inlet 8 can be formed from any suitable material, such asplastic, rubber, or composite. The string inlet 8 has a hole sized toaccept the string 22. Examples of suitable sizes include about ⅛ toabout ½ inch in diameter, preferably about ⅛ to about ¼ inch indiameter.

FIGS. 2A-D illustrate a plurality of the proofing air jets 2 connectedto a manifold 30. The manifold 30 comprises a manifold body 31 that isconfigured to contain pressurized air. The manifold body 31 preferablyhas an elongated shape. The manifold body 31 comprises a plurality ofproofing air jet connectors 32 and a manifold pressurized air inlet 33.The proofing air jet connector 32 is configured to connect to thepressurized air input 6. An air valve 12 can be provided between thepressurized air input 6 and the manifold body 31 to regulate the airpressure supplied to the pressurized air input 6. The proofing air jetconnector 32 provides a rigid connection between the manifold body 31and the proofing air jet 2. Alternatively, a flexible proofing air jetconnector 36 can be used to provide a flexible connection between theproofing air jet 2 and the manifold 31. The flexible proofing air jetconnector 36 can comprise a high pressure air hose. Pressurized airconnectors are well known in the art and any suitable pressurized airconnector can be utilized in the proofing air jet connectors 32 and 36.Preferably, the proofing air jet connectors 32 and 36 utilize well-knownpressurized quick release couplings.

FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate examples of the many different types ofcommercially available innerduct and microduct 50 having various numbersof ducts and various sizes of the ducts. The manifold body 31 has aplurality of proofing air jet connectors 32, 36 spaced apart so that aplurality of proofing air jets 2 can be mounted to the manifold body 31to match the location and number of ducts in the innerduct/microduct 50being proofed.

The source of pressurized air 40 can be any suitable air compressor. Aircompressors are now well known. The size of the air compress requiredwill depend on the number of proofing air jets 2 being usedsimultaneously. In general, the greater the number of proofing air jets2 being used simultaneously the larger the air compressor and greaterthe air flow required.

As shown in FIGS. 2E-2G, the string 22 can be stored on reels, stored ina box, or any suitable storage. An end of the string 22 can have aparachute 24 to help pull the string 22 through the innerduct/microduct50 during proofing. Any desired parachute 24 can be utilized. FIGS. 2E-Gshows a parachute 24 formed from a folded piece of fabric tied to thestring 22. During proofing, the parachute 24 and string 22 is insertedinto the string inlet 8. The air flow 5 through the hollow elongatedbody 4 and innerduct/microduct 50 pushes against the parachute 24 whichpulls the string 22 through the innerduct/microduct 50. If the string 22is able to penetrate the entire length of the innerduct/microduct 50,then the innerduct/microduct 50 has been proofed, i.e. is free ofobstructions. The string 22 installed inside the innerduct/microduct 50can be used to pull an optical fiber or other small utility through theproofed innerduct/microduct 50.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of proofing a buriedinnerduct/microduct. The innerduct/microduct connector 10 is connectedto an open end of the innerduct/microduct 50. The pressurized air input6 is connected to a proofing jet connector 32. The manifold main airvalve 34 is connected to a source of pressurized air 40. An end of thestring 22 is inserted into the string inlet 8. Pressurized air issupplied to the manifold body 31. Pressurized air is supplied from themanifold body 31 to the pressurized air input 6, thereby flowingpressurized air (air flow 3) through the pressurized air input 6 andinto the hollow elongated body 4 (air flow 5), which provides suction atthe suction inlet 8 and sucks the string 22 into the hollow elongatedbody 4. Pressurized air is supplied from the hollow elongated body 2 andinto the innerduct/microduct 50, which flows the string 22 from thehollow elongated body 2 and into the innerduct/microduct 50 until thestring 22 exits an end of the innerduct/microduct 50 to proof theinnerduct/microduct 50.

Reference numbers:

-   -   2 Proofing air jet    -   3 Input air flow    -   4 Hollow elongated body    -   5 Air flow through hollow elongated body    -   6 Pressurized air input    -   7 Air outlet    -   8 String inlet    -   9 Suction inlet    -   10 Innerduct/microduct connector    -   12 Air valve    -   14 Manifold connector    -   16 Angle between the hollow elongated body and the pressurized        air input    -   22 String    -   24 Parachute    -   30 Manifold    -   31 Manifold body    -   32 Proofing air jet connector    -   33 Manifold pressurized air inlet    -   34 Manifold main air valve    -   36 Flexible proofing air jet connector    -   40 Source of pressurized air    -   50 Innerduct/microduct

It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments havebeen provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way tobe construed as limiting of the invention. Words used herein are wordsof description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Inaddition, the advantages and objectives described herein may not berealized by each and every embodiment practicing the present invention.Further, although the invention has been described herein with referenceto particular structure, steps and/or embodiments, the invention is notintended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, theinvention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, processesand uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Thoseskilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of thisspecification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes maybe made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.While the invention has been described to provide an access hole over aburied utility, the invention can be utilized wherever an access hole inthe roadway is required.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A proofing manifold configured to proof aburied innerduct/microduct having a plurality of ducts comprising: amanifold comprising a manifold body configured to contain pressurizedair; a manifold pressurized air inlet configured to provide pressurizedair to the manifold; a plurality of proofing air jet connectorsconnected to the manifold; and a plurality of proofing air jetsconnected to the plurality of proofing air jet connectors, each proofingair jet comprising: a hollow elongated body having an air outlet and asuction inlet, the air outlet opposing the suction inlet: a pressurizedair inlet into the body between the air outlet and the suction inlet,the pressurized air inlet being angled with respect to the hollowelongated body to flow pressurized air in a direction from thepressurized air inlet to the air outlet and provide a suction at thesuction inlet; the air outlet having an innerduct/microduct connectorfor connecting to an opening of the innerduct/microduct; and the suctioninlet having a string inlet configured to accept string, wherein thepressurized air inlet is connected to one of the proofing air jetconnectors, and wherein the plurality of proofing air jet connectors arespaced apart on the manifold so that the plurality of proofing air jetscan be mounted to the manifold body to match a location and number ofthe plurality of ducts, and more than one of the proofing air jets canbe used simultaneously.
 2. The proofing manifold according to claim 1,wherein the proofing air jet connector is flexible.
 3. The proofingmanifold according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the hollowelongated body and the pressurized air inlet is less than 90°.
 4. Theproofing manifold according to claim 1, wherein an angle between thehollow elongated body and the pressurized air inlet is about 80° toabout 20°.
 5. The proofing manifold according to claim 1, wherein anangle between the hollow elongated body and the pressurized air inlet isabout 70° to about 30°.
 6. The proofing manifold according to claim 1,further comprising an air valve between the pressurized air input andthe manifold body to regulate air pressure supplied to the pressurizedair input.
 7. The proofing manifold according to claim 1, wherein thestring inlet has a hole size of about ⅛ to about ½ inch in diameter. 8.The proofing manifold according to claim 1, wherein five proofing airjets are connected to the manifold.
 9. The proofing manifold accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of proofing air jets having anassociated source of string.
 10. The proofing manifold according toclaim 9, wherein the source of string is a reel of string or stringstored in a box.
 11. The proofing manifold according to claim 9, whereinthe string further comprising a parachute configured to pull the stringthrough the ducts.